Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the first instance, I am very keen to consult. I have arranged meetings in the coming days with many of the stakeholders involved, with particular reference to women's groups which have been advocating change for some time. I also intend to meet representatives of the legal profession who encounter the matter of evidence within the courts on a day-to-day basis.

I acknowledge that legislation has recently been enacted in this House, with particular reference to the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act of 2017. I am really keen to enact two other pieces of legislation at the earliest opportunity, one of which is the Domestic Violence Bill, on which I have worked with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton. I believe it can be enacted in its entirety in this House within a few weeks. There is also the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2018, the main purpose of which is to provide for presumptive minimum sentences for repeat sexual offenders. I will shortly bring to the Cabinet the general scheme of a sex offenders (amendment) Bill which will propose a number of amendments to the Sex Offenders Act 2001. In addition, I intend to continue my ongoing discussions with An Garda Síochána in order to resolve difficulties with or remove confusion about the current mode or method of compiling Garda statistics in such a way that it will be transparent and inspire confidence.

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